The Contemporary Seabed Mining Regime: A Critical Analysis of the Mining Regulations Promulgated by the International Seabed Authority

摘要

Mr. Nelson's article offers an explication and critical assessment of the contemporary seabed mining code, which serves to meet seabed mining governance requirements under UNCLOS. The importance of seabed mining regulations cannot be underestimated - regulations are critical to effectively manage marine mineral extraction, as well as to protect and preserve the oceanic environment. Mr. Nelson's article presents a concise history of UNCLOS, emphasizing the seabed mining aspects of the treaty, before introducing the role, structure, and functioning of the International Seabed Authority. Additionally, his article investigates the current and planned regulations for prospecting, exploring, and exploiting seabed minerals in order to show that these rules fail to effectively govern seabed mining and its accompanying environmental risks. Finally, Mr. Nelson presents a summary of findings, specifically highlighting conclusions relating to the current polymetallic manganese nodule mining regulations, the prospective mining guidelines for cobalt-rich crusts and polymetallic sulphides, and the environmental impacts of seabed mineral exploitation.